Japan Successfully Launches Navigation Satellite on H3 Rocket

The Michibiki 6 satellite joins Japan’s growing regional navigation system, aiming for greater positioning independence by 2026.

The H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki 6 satellite launched successfully from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan.
Michibiki 6 is the fifth satellite in Japan's quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS), which supplements U.S. GPS for improved positioning accuracy.
Japan plans to expand its satellite network to seven by March 2026 and to 11 satellites by the late 2030s for independent global positioning capability.
The H3 rocket has now achieved four consecutive successful launches after its initial failure in March 2023.
Developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket is part of Japan's strategy to strengthen its space program and compete in the satellite launch market.